I did some years back. Good affordable power. I've had a lot of amplifiers through my system over the years. Had a Bryston 4BST for a long stretch.
2 Ch amp question
- Thread starter JohnnieO
- Start date
I don't know for certain why break-in takes so long, I'm guessing it's a combination of parts and circuit design. It's a custom amp, it will even have you name on it, and Klaus doesn't use cheap parts. Mine actually took longer than a month, but it's also seriously upgraded. The important thing is, once it's there, you won't care. It's as good as your preamp and speakers.
Odyssey amps are actually Symphonic Line circuit designs. S.L. is a high-end German brand, and Klaus is the U.S. importer. It's a pretty lucrative arrangement, they supplied him with the circuit designs, approved his choices of parts, and he builds them here, and sells direct, with no dealer markup. These things are practically bullet-proof.
You will get more than adequate performance from any of the amps mentioned in this thread. They'll likely all sound better than just good. And, used would likely get you a better price. But, you can shoot Klaus a number, and he'll build you an amp that will be as good as, if not better than, any of them, in my opinion. $1000-1500 can get you a hell of a nice amplifier.
And no shipping costs!
Odyssey amps are actually Symphonic Line circuit designs. S.L. is a high-end German brand, and Klaus is the U.S. importer. It's a pretty lucrative arrangement, they supplied him with the circuit designs, approved his choices of parts, and he builds them here, and sells direct, with no dealer markup. These things are practically bullet-proof.
You will get more than adequate performance from any of the amps mentioned in this thread. They'll likely all sound better than just good. And, used would likely get you a better price. But, you can shoot Klaus a number, and he'll build you an amp that will be as good as, if not better than, any of them, in my opinion. $1000-1500 can get you a hell of a nice amplifier.
And no shipping costs!
Danathepill
Well-Known Member
This is visual audio porn so I wouldn’t change a single thing!
century tek
Addicted Member
Now I'm missing something! Initially, you say the Pioneer SA-8800 is an integrated amplifier so what do you mean later when you say it is not an integrated amplifier??
A straight power amplifier will usually have no controls and only have inputs and speaker outputs but depending on make and model, some will have input level controls.
As far as 2 channel goes, every stereo amplifier, integrated, power, or otherwise, is considered 2 channel.
Left speaker = channel 1.
Right speaker = channel 2 (or the reverse if you prefer).
So.......2 channel!
JohnnieO
Active Member
I do not think I could do any better anywhere else. A 20 year warranty….who else does that at that price? I’m guessing no one. I think when I take the plunge I will in fact get an upgraded one….buy once…cry once.
And $1500 was my price point
i own a integrated amp (SA8800) I would like to add a power amplifier (2CH R/L) when I say 2CH I mainly mean RL only no controls no AV No 6.xxxc no Atmos
Dswankey
Lunatic Member
JohnnieO
Active Member
Thank you. My listening space is my Living Room so it must pass with the design committee. (The wife) I can’t deny it does look nice, and as much as I cooperate with the committee the more I get to do. Like possibly add that amp. She loves music but could care less about gear. I don’t know how you could have one without the other…..Lol
Sandman1221
Super Member
Just noticed there is no carpet on the hardwood floor in front of your system, at least in your pic. If there is no area carpet covering the floor between your listening position and speakers, adding one would really help the sound quality.
JohnnieO
Active Member
It just didn’t show on that photo
Attachments
Nice rig! I think an Odyssey would be a good fit, aesthetically. For $1500, you could step it up to the Stratos, but a carefully upgraded Khartago, for the same price, will be nearly as powerful, and sound just as good, maybe even a little better. And you won't have to wonder "What if...?"
Be sure to keep us in the loop!
Be sure to keep us in the loop!
Semanon
Super Member
IMO, break in is as much about your ears as it is about the amp. For the amp, yes, you have to play under load. Run a 2 channel mono signal to the amp - same signal to each speaker. Wire one speaker out of phase and turn the speakers to face each other. You can run them at a good volume without much disturbance to anyone.
To burn your ears, you have to listen -no short cuts. This only takes a few days.
This is what I was thinking. Acoustic treatment will give you the best bang for the buck. Some reading and experimenting and you will get improvement no amp can match. I know that one’s living situation can limit acoustic treatment options, but even minor changes can yield significant changes.
JohnnieO
Active Member
I will. Thank you. As soon as I part with some of my bigginner pieces and raise a little cash I am definitely going with the odyssey. And I can probably just pick it up a few miles from home. The 20 year warranty is amazing
JohnnieO
Active Member
There is a large oriental rug in front. Just didn’t show up in the picture
MaxP
Super Member
I’ve met him and heard one of his systems at a local show and it was impressive to say the least, and it’s not priced to break the bank,
If you're looking for different sound, have you considered a quantity tube pre-amp? This would definitely give your Pioneer a different sound signature, and playing with the gain tubes will give you even more variations, and with more visual retro vibe included.
rwartner
Super Member
I think your SA8800 is as good as anything. So you can be patient. I would not concern myself with sound. Do a requirements spec. What inputs and outputs? What do you want it to look like? I would be searching locally and asking questions. Have fun the research and search is the most fun.
JohnnieO
Active Member
Thank you
Advice well taken.
So, have you called Klaus? I don't want to sound like I'm twisting your arm, that's not my style. I'm more like the devil on your shoulder, who conveniently forgot to mention that you can put a $200 deposit down, and get your amp started now, so it will be ready sooner rather than later.......
Edit: I do recommend the WBT Platinum binding post upgrade. These things are seriously good.
Edit: I do recommend the WBT Platinum binding post upgrade. These things are seriously good.
Last edited:
Here's my take - the gear that you have is all nicely equally matched in terms of performance. Here is a radical thought- look into what a parametric equalizer could do for you. It'll cost a few bucks but not $1500. I added one about 3 years ago. My son introduced me to one. I only knew about the conventional equalizer - but they are so limiting to what you can do in comparison. Even with these JBL 4435's I can get tighter punchier (at least to my ears) in the bass regions. I have a minidsp/minisharc but this article looked like it gets to the point quickly. https://unison.audio/parametric-eq/
A room correction software may also be available with the parametric equalizer.
Just a thought-
A room correction software may also be available with the parametric equalizer.
Just a thought-
Last edited:
That's really not a bad idea, and in most cases, I would agree. But, this isn't a situation where the man needs, or even wants, to correct a particular problem with the sound quality of his primary system. This is a classic case of upgraditis, nothing more. He wants a high quality stereo power amp, with no bling, just to have it. And, I get it, 100%!
But, he's got a true high-end builder right across town. And Klaus will build it to his specs, tune it for his preferences and local power delivery, AND give him a 30 day in-home trial! He's got nothing to lose! Ok, it's not gonna be cheap, but an Odyssey would seem to check all of his boxes.....